Day 82

“So it begins. The wind has increased to 20 knots. And not only that; the expected few days of a tail wind from the north-east didn’t prove to be true. I’m having a head wind from the north-west right now. The boat has drastically turned south. The closest island in front of me is Mataiva; it’s only 92 miles away. If the wind persists, I will reach the island in two days. Another obstacle is Tahiti island, located 250 miles south of me. I was so close to be in the open water. A few more days of  the  north-easterly wind and I would pass the islands and atolls of French Polynesia without any complications.

Photo: Testing sea anchor before the start. Chile, Concon, December 2013

Well, there is no point in wishful thinking. I have to get ready for the storm. On deck everything is tied and secured. The food has been selected for a few days, so I won’t have to search for it in storage compartments. I also prepared a 75 meter long rope. I’m going to release it over one side of the boat when the big seas will rise. I used this ploy when I was going along side of Chile in the winds of 25 knots. The rope acted as a source of drag and kept the stern steady. The week-end is going to be tough. A storm in close proximity to the islands is a serious trial. I’m asking for your prayers. Fedor.”

The map of the Tourgoyak’s course: http://yb.tl/konyukhov2

The detailed map of the course: www.oceanrowing.com/Konyukhov/Pacific2013/dist_map.htm

Translated by Tatiana Koreski